reveal

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reveal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reveal are betray, disclose, divulge, and tell. While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

divine will as revealed in sacred writings

When is betray a more appropriate choice than reveal?

The words betray and reveal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

When can disclose be used instead of reveal?

While in some cases nearly identical to reveal, disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

When could divulge be used to replace reveal?

While the synonyms divulge and reveal are close in meaning, divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

In what contexts can tell take the place of reveal?

The synonyms tell and reveal are sometimes interchangeable, but tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of reveal If the High Heel Index holds any weight, then the current runways may be revealing more than just trends. Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 2025 Over the decades, smaller observational studies of parents and their children have also revealed differences in the frequency and style with which mothers and fathers verbally engage with their sons versus their daughters. Joshua Coleman, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025 During an emotional cover story interview with PEOPLE, the two-time Grammy winner revealed that he was diagnosed with glioblastoma in December 2023 and, since beginning treatment, has experienced deficits with his short-term memory, speech, and mobility. Shania Russell, EW.com, 30 Apr. 2025 In September 2023, another investigation with Webb – an advanced telescope launched in 2021 outfitted with powerful infrared instruments – revealed something more: traces of carbon-bearing molecules in K2-18b's atmosphere, including methane and carbon dioxide. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reveal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reveal
Verb
  • The man was taken to an area hospital but the extent of his injury has not been disclosed.
    Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
  • What to know In a safety notice submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on April 24, GM disclosed that the recall affects a total of 597,630 vehicles.
    Tahar Rajab, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • His prominent role in Game 3 -- which was a big reason the Knicks' offensive rating jumped to 120.8 from 101.9 in Game 2 -- showed that coach Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks have learned their lesson about keeping Towns involved in the offense.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Text messages sent in the hours leading up to O’Keefe’s death read aloud to the court by a Massachusetts state trooper show the couple were at a strained point in their relationship.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Universities reported some students being forced to leave the United States immediately, in many cases after discovering their visas were canceled in the federal Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) or via an unexpected text or email.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • The Winner Costco Bakery Editors who participated in our taste test were surprised to discover how much grocery store bakery cakes truly varied—some had light and airy icing where others had rich buttercream, for example.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Federal authorities allege Cui and Miller paid two other people about $36,500 to convince the victim not to display the statues.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The soon-to-be 23-year-old displayed impressive contact balance and routinely churned out additional yards after being hit, but his workload in college (879 carries in five years) raises questions about his long-term outlook in the NFL. 191.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Fox Nation's 'Titanic Secrets' busts the myths that have long been held at the bottom of the sea and uncovers the truth in this century-long conspiracy.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • United States Immigrant rights supporters demonstrate during a May Day rally outside the federal courthouse in Philadelphia on May 1, 2025.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 May 2025
  • Consideration centers on respect demonstrated by anticipating others' wants and needs.
    Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The unlikely hit comedy, which tells a deranged alternative history of Mary Todd Lincoln, has attracted high-profile celebrity audience members including Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lopez, Meryl Streep, and Steven Spielberg.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • Market sources tell us the film’s budget is being pegged north of $150M. The film stars Jesse Plemons, Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, and McKenna Grace.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Does any part of Franks actually believe Lala has it in her to betray them?
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Not that there’s anything remotely extravagant about a schlock programmer whose amateurish acting and sparse production values betray its shoestring budget.
    A.A. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reveal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reveal. Accessed 10 May. 2025.

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